Florida’s Sam Bennett Fires Warning Shot at Maple Leafs After Max Domi’s Hit on Barkov
Photo credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
It’s a new series between the divisional foe Toronto Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers, who are now tied 2-2 after what was initially a 2-0 Leafs lead.
The Panthers won Game 3 by a score of 5-4 in OT after longtime Toronto nemesis Brad Marchand scored in the extra session, followed by Sunday’s 2-0 win, which included plenty of rough-housing.The final few seconds of the game was marred by a controversial hit from behind on Aleksander Barkov, delivered by Leafs forward Max Domi, which sparked a melee.Panthers forward Sam Bennett, who has already drawn massive controversy after his hit on goaltender Anthony Stolarz in Game 1, said that Toronto can expect more of the same in Game 5.
“Trying to take a run at Barky at the end there… It’s been a physical series, so I expect more of that.”
NHL analyst Pierre LeBrun said that he expected the NHL Department of Player Safety to potentially get involved:
“If that were a first period hit, it doesn’t get much attention other than a penalty. But end of game, message sending plays get NHL Player Safety attention. It’s an area of focus in the CBA, message sending plays at end of games. Player Safety is looking at it. But whether it’s a fine or more than that, hard to say.”
Bennett scored the 2nd and final goal in Florida’s win on Sunday, showing extreme patience and deking out goaltender Joseph Woll:
Stolarz has yet to play after getting elbowed in the side of his head by Bennett in Game 1. Bennett was not penalized, fined, or suspended for that play or any other questionable play during this series.
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Florida’s Sam Bennett Fires Warning Shot at Maple Leafs After Max Domi’s Hit on Barkov
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